Reykjavík in November — Aurora, Lagoon & Lava Bread (Solo Adventurer)
A 3-day, solo-friendly Reykjavík itinerary focused on northern lights chases, geothermal bathing, and a hands-on geothermal rye-bread experience. Walkable neighborhoods, lively communal dining, guided tours for safety and sociability, and flexible evening options for solo exploration.
Highlights
- Northern Lights group chase from Reykjavík (guided — safe and sociable)
- Geothermal rye-bread tasting and soak at Laugarvatn Fontana
- Blue Lagoon soak with evening return
- Walkable downtown: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Sun Voyager and Kolaportið flea market
- Communal meals and bar seating for easy socializing
Itinerary
Day 1
Settle into Reykjavík, explore the compact downtown on foot, enjoy communal dining, and join a guided northern-lights chase (group tour) — a safe, social way to see the aurora in November.
Check-in and social orientation at KEX Hostel (great for solo travelers)
Arrive, check in, drop bags, meet staff and other guests. KEX has a lively bar and communal seating ideal for solo travellers looking to chat and plan the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk about same-night Northern Lights tips and where guides usually meet; they often have last-minute updates.
- Sit at the long communal table in the bar to meet other travellers — staff are used to pairing solo guests for tours.
- Lock your pack in a hostel locker and bring a warm outer shell before heading back out — Reykjavík November winds are sharp.
Walk Laugavegur (main shopping + cafés) — easy intro to downtown
Stroll Laugavegur to orient yourself: indie shops, craft stores, cozy cafés and people-watching. Great for picking up a warm wool hat or postcards.
Tips from local experts:
- Pop into a small café with windows — communal tables make it easy to strike up conversation over a coffee.
- Bring waterproof shoes; November can be wet and salty from coastal spray on sidewalks.
- Look for local design shops (hand-knit hats, Icelandic wool) for compact, memorable souvenirs that store well in a backpack.
Hallgrímskirkja — quick tower visit (iconic, walkable)
Visit Hallgrímskirkja church and ride the elevator to the tower for a bird's-eye view of the city alpenglow (or city lights if cloudy). Short, iconic stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy the combined entrance + tower ticket at the desk to skip small lines; the elevator is quick and accessible.
- If the tower is closed due to weather, use the church interior for shelter and meet fellow solo travelers taking photos.
- Windproof layers are essential — the tower is exposed and cold even for short visits in November.
Dinner at Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) — casual communal seafood skewers
Informal harbor-side restaurant known for fresh fish skewers and soups. Casual counter and communal seating make it easy to dine solo and chat.
Tips from local experts:
- Order at the counter and grab a stool at the shared tables or bar — it’s the best way to meet locals and travellers.
- Try the lobster soup (hearty and warming) — great value and perfect after a windy walk.
- Bring a compact umbrella; the Old Harbour area can be windy and wet in November when moving between stops.
Guided Northern Lights chase (small- to mid-size group)
Meet at the central bus/tour hub and join a guided Northern Lights coach tour that chases clear skies out of the city — safe, social and led by experienced guides.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet inside the BSI bus terminal (or the operator’s indicated meeting point) to stay warm until departure; guides announce final meeting instructions there.
- Dress in layers with warm boots and bring hand warmers; tours often stop for photos and the wind is biting in open spots.
- Choose a tour that offers photography tips and a warm vehicle between viewing stops — a good guide helps you meet fellow guests and improves chances of seeing the aurora.
Day 2
Golden Circle day trip focused on nature and geothermal culture, finishing with a hands-on lava-bread (hverabrauð) experience at Laugarvatn Fontana — key geothermal traditions in one day.
Meet for Golden Circle pickup (group day tour) at BSI
Board your small- or mid-size coach for the Golden Circle. Tours are sociable — good place to meet other solo travelers while staying with a guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm pickup time the night before with your hostel or the tour operator and arrive 10–15 minutes early at BSI.
- Carry a small daypack with waterproof layers, snacks, and a water bottle; buses have storage space and stops are limited in cold months.
- Sit near the middle of the coach for easier conversation with fellow passengers and quicker access to the guide.
Þingvellir National Park — rift valley and Icelandic history
Walk short trails through the rift valley between tectonic plates and visit the historic Alþingi site. Short, accessible walks suitable for chilly November weather if layered.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes — paths can be icy; traction grips are helpful in November.
- Stick to the main paths for safety and to stay with the group; the guide often points out the best photo spots.
- Bring a warm hat and gloves — wind funnels through the rift and can be colder than in town.
Geysir geothermal area — short stop to see Strokkur erupt
See active geysers including reliable Strokkur. Quick visit with boardwalks and viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand upwind of erupting geysers for the best photo opportunities and to avoid spray.
- Keep a compact umbrella or packable rain layer handy — steam and spray can be surprising on cold days.
- Chat with fellow travellers at the viewpoints; groups often swap photo-taking tips and quick warmth hacks.
Laugarvatn Fontana — geothermal rye-bread (hverabrauð) tasting & soak
A highlight: a hands-on explanation and tasting of traditional geothermal-baked rye bread, plus an optional warm soak in Fontana’s baths with lake views.
Tips from local experts:
- Tell staff you’re solo and interested in the bread demo — they often welcome questions and seat single guests with others.
- Bring a swimsuit and quick-dry towel (or rent at Fontana) so you can combine the bread tasting with a relaxing geothermal soak.
- Buy a small loaf to take home in your daypack; it travels well and makes a memorable snack on later drives.
Gullfoss waterfall viewpoint — iconic and dramatic
Short walk to the main viewing platforms to see the frothing falls. Photos are dramatic in low autumn light; path can be icy so take it slow.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the handrail sections and follow the staff directions — paths can be slippery in November.
- Warm drinks at the small cafe by the car park are a good place to warm up and chat with other visitors.
- If visibility is low, the cafe and gift shop provide a cozy spot to meet other solo travellers and compare photos.
Return transfer to Reykjavík (coach) — relax and warm up
Return drive to Reykjavík. Use the time to sort photos, chat with your tour group, or nap — coaches stop for comfort breaks en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near a traveler you met earlier for a recap and practical tips on other Reykjavík spots to visit.
- Keep a warm layer accessible; coach heating is good but stepping off for short breaks is chilly.
- Ask the guide for local evening suggestions — guides often have current Northern Lights and restaurant tips.
Cozy evening — bar seating at Kaffibarinn (local favorite)
Low-key November evening at a friendly bar with stools and communal atmosphere — a good place to compare day-trip notes with fellow travelers.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit at the bar to easily strike up conversation with bartenders and locals; ask about craft beers or local schnapps.
- Order a small plate or sharing dish if available — communal tasting encourages chat with neighbours.
- Prefer lit, busy streets for the short walk back to your lodging; Laugavegur and bank streets are lively and well-lit.
Day 3
A flexible last day: morning market and waterfront stroll, an afternoon Blue Lagoon soak (relaxation & social spa experience), and an optional planetarium visit or relaxed bar night depending on energy and aurora conditions.
Kolaportið Flea Market (weekend-focused) — local food and secondhand finds
Indoor weekend market (check opening days — generally Fri–Sun). Great for sampling Icelandic snacks, buying small gifts, and chatting with vendors.
Tips from local experts:
- If it’s open, try small samples of smoked fish and local skyr desserts to taste local flavors affordably.
- Bring small change and a reusable tote — stalls move quickly and it's easier to carry purchases while mingling.
- Markets are sociable indoor spaces — ask vendors about how items are made; vendors love telling stories to solo visitors.
Harpa Concert Hall & Sun Voyager walk — photogenic waterfront loop
Stroll the Old Harbour to Harpa, then continue to Sólfar (Sun Voyager) sculpture. Short loop with easy sidewalks and well-lit public spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Harpa’s warm interior and seating areas are a comfortable stop if the wind is strong outside.
- Sunset and blue-hour photos are dramatic; ask a passerby for a quick group photo — locals are friendly about helping solo travellers.
- Stay on the well-lit promenade after dark — the Old Harbour is busy and safe in November evenings.
Light lunch & bakery break at Sandholt (communal table, local pastries)
Cozy bakery on Laugavegur with long tables and excellent bread — ideal for sampling a local sandwich or sweet pastry at a communal table.
Tips from local experts:
- Grab a spot at the long table to easily meet other solo diners; staff are used to seating individuals with groups.
- Try a savory rye or smoked salmon pastry for an affordable, memorable bite.
- Pick up a small loaf to snack on during travel — Icelandic bread keeps well a day or two in a backpack.
Transfer to Blue Lagoon (self-booked transfer or shuttle)
Head to the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon; many shuttle services run from Reykjavík. Pre-book your entry time (slot-based) to avoid queues.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a mid-afternoon slot to enjoy the changing light as you arrive and to return to town after dinner-time (useful for safety and transit options).
- Keep your Blue Lagoon reservation confirmation accessible and arrive 20–30 minutes early to check in without rushing.
- Shuttle pickups are usually at major hotels or BSI — choose a pickup point near your hostel for convenience.
Blue Lagoon soak (relaxation + social spa atmosphere)
Relax in the milky-blue geothermal waters — social but relaxing. Enjoy silica mud masks and the in-water bar for a cozy, communal spa experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a Comfort-level entry with towel included if you want to travel light and not bother with rentals.
- Use the in-water bar as a social spot — people often chat over a hot or cold drink while soaking.
- Lockers are included with standard entries, but bring a small padlock for peace of mind; hair-dryers and changing areas are available indoors.
Return to Reykjavík (transfer) — settle for the evening
Shuttle back to Reykjavík, drop bags, and choose between a quiet evening museum or casual bar seating depending on energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan your return so you arrive in Reykjavík while buses and taxis are still readily available (evening winter schedules change).
- Swap contact details with people you met at the Blue Lagoon if you enjoyed chatting — a friendly way to keep in touch on solo trips.
- Confirm hostel pickup times for the shuttle and ask the driver about best lit/walkable streets near your accommodation.
Optional evening: Aurora Reykjavik planetarium (solo-friendly indoor option)
If you want a calm wind-free evening, Aurora Reykjavik offers an indoor, interpretive Northern Lights experience with exhibits and immersive shows — a cozy, informative alternative to chasing outside.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a warm, comfortable spot to learn about aurora science if conditions outside are cloudy or tours are full.
- Go early in the evening to avoid small crowds and then continue to a nearby bar for a final social stop.
- Ask staff for last-minute tips — they often know current aurora forecasts and busy viewing spots that are still safe at night.
More options in Reykjavik
View allExplore more travel plans and guides for Reykjavik.
Slow Light and Steam: Reykjavik — Northern Skies & Geothermal Rituals (3 days)
Perfect for Mindful
Reykjavik
Reykjavík: Geothermal Soaks, Lunar Landscapes & Aurora — 3 Calm Days
Perfect for Mindful
Reykjavik
Reykjavík Mindful Retreat — Geothermal Soaks & Northern Lights (3 days)
Perfect for Mindful
Reykjavik
Steam & Silence: A Nordic Reset in Soft Light
Perfect for Mindful
Reykjavik
Geothermal Slow Living by the Sea — Reykjavík (3 days)
Perfect for Mindful
Reykjavik
Reykjavík Geothermal Hop & Vinyl Nights — 2-day friends getaway
Perfect for Friends
Reykjavik